Chubby Fish— Is It Worth the Wait? an honest review of one of the top restaurants in charleston, SC

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Short answer: absolutely.

Chubby Fish delivered one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Charleston, SC — and yes, it lived up to the hype.

Founded by Chef James London in 2018, it has become one of the most sought-after Charleston restaurants. Chubby Fish focuses on local Lowcountry ingredients, fresh seafood, and innovative preparations. It isn’t just popular with diners — it’s also earned national recognition in the food world.

This popular seafood restaurant in Charleston has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, one of the most respected culinary institutions in the U.S. Chubby Fish also frequently appears on “best restaurants in Charleston” lists from both national food publications and local critics. Recently, Chubby Fish also received a Michelin recommendation in 2025.

That recognition is reflected in every detail — from the thoughtfully composed dishes to the bold flavors and consistent execution. It’s not just hype — Chubby Fish has built a reputation as one of the standout seafood restaurants in Charleston, SC, for a reason. I’ve wanted to eat at Chubby Fish since they opened, but between the long lines and the endless list of incredible Charleston restaurants, it kept getting pushed back. On a recent return trip (after moving away), I finally made it a priority — and I’m so glad I did.

The Wait

Chubby Fish is walk-in only, and yes — the wait is real.

Plan to arrive 1–2 hours early, especially on weekends. We got in line around 3:45 pm on a Saturday and were able to make first seating, though there were still about 25 people ahead of us. They require your full party to be present, so make sure everyone arrives together by 5.

It’s not casual or spontaneous dining — but if you plan it right, the payoff is worth it, especially for one of the most talked-about seafood spots in Charleston.

Outside of Chubby Fish - seafood restaurant in Charleston, SC

The Food (Outstanding)

Everything we ordered was thoughtful, bold, and incredibly well-executed — a true standout among seafood restaurants in Charleston. We split:

Caviar sandwich
Tuna crudo
Grilled oysters
Poached grouper
Tempura fish with soy beurre blanc
Bone marrow
Ube banana pudding

Standouts

The caviar sandwich completely exceeded expectations — rich, balanced, and indulgent without being overwhelming.

The grilled oysters came in a panang curry–style sauce. I barely tasted the oysters themselves, but honestly? The curry was so good I didn’t mind.

The bone marrow was unreal — deeply flavorful and one of my favorite bites of the night.

The tempura fish surprised me the most. Light, crispy, and elevated by the soy beurre blanc, which really stole the show.

One miss (for me)

The poached grouper leaned very smoky, which overpowered the dish for my personal taste. It was still good, but I felt more neutral about this dish.

Dessert

I’m not usually a banana pudding person, but the ube banana pudding was the perfect ending. Light, refreshing, and not overly sweet — you could distinctly taste both the ube and banana, which I loved.

Cavier Sandwich at Chubby Fish - seafood restaurant in Charleston, SC — Caviar Sammich’ tater roll, crème fraiche

Tempura at Chubby Fish - seafood restaurant in Charleston, SC — Caviar Sammich’ tater roll, crème fraiche

Cost

We’re non-alcoholic diners and ordered quite a bit so we could try more of the menu.
Our total came out to around $200 for two people.

They typically recommend four dishes for two, but we intentionally ordered extra due to the long wait and short trip. If you’re prioritizing quality seafood in Charleston, this felt worth it.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend Chubby Fish? Without hesitation.

This is one of those meals you’ll think about long after you leave Charleston, SC. Chubby Fish has officially earned a permanent spot in my Charleston rotation — and it’s easily one of the most memorable Charleston restaurants I’ve experienced.

If you’re willing to plan ahead and wait a bit, Chubby Fish absolutely earns its reputation.

More Charleston Travel Guides You’ll Love

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, SC, these guides will help you make the most of your time in the city — from where to eat to what to do beyond the table.

Favorite Restaurants in Charleston
A curated list of my go-to Charleston restaurants — from casual eats to standout spots worth planning around.
Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC
From walking the historic streets downtown to coastal views, beaches, and neighborhoods worth exploring, this guide covers the must-dos for first-time and repeat visitors.

Where to Stay in Charleston, SC

Choosing the right place to stay can completely shape your Charleston experience. These are some of the best areas to consider, depending on your travel style. I’ll link my favorite hotels and vacation rentals in each area through Tripadvisor to help you compare prices and availability.

Mount Pleasant

One of my favorite areas to stay — quieter than downtown, easy parking, great food nearby, and beautiful views of the Ravenel Bridge and waterfront. Ideal if you want a relaxed home base with quick access to the city.

My pick: Hotel Indigo – easy bridge access, close to all local attractions, clean and reasonably priced. It’s also dog-friendly, and you can usually find good deals on sites like Expedia (use the link to compare)

Downtown Charleston (The Peninsula)

Perfect if you want to be close to historic sights, walkable streets, shopping, and restaurants. Expect higher prices, but unbeatable charm and convenience.

My pick: Hotel Bennett – if you can splurge on a hotel, this is the one I’d pick. Situated between Upper and Lower King Street, a perfect location. This dazzling pink hotel has been on my mind since it first opened. Make sure to make reservations at the champagne lounge, Camellias’

Isle of Palms

Great options if you want to pair your Charleston trip with beach time. It’s a little farther from downtown, but also quieter. These areas are more laid-back and ideal for slower mornings and coastal walks.

My pick: Wild Dunes Resort – Residences at Sweetgrass – There are multiple spots you can stay at Wild Dunes, but we picked the residences at Sweetgrass. We were placed in a 2-bed ocean-front condo and thought the price was reasonable (likely fluctuates based on time of year). Wild Dunes offers plenty of activities and is loved by both locals and visitors.

Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring the world through hiking, food, culture, and the beauty of God’s creation. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.